There is no denying that Denver is a city fast on the move. Any casual perusing of “Top Cities” lists usually finds Denver firmly nestled atop the leaders: Business Week’s “Top 50 American Cities”— sixth; Travel and Leisure’s “America’s Best Cities for Hipsters—tenth; Smart Planet’s “Top 25 Greenest Cities”—fourth; Forbes’ “Best Places for Business and Careers”—fifth; Shape’s “Top 10 Fittest Cities in America”—fifth; GQ’s “The 5 Best Beer Cities in America”—second. And so on. These lists are infinite and easily challenged, but they still provide insight and are above all amusing. Denver also has the newest and most modern major airport in the country (of which is already undergoing $1 billion in further development), the largest public transit project in the country (Fastracks), and is located in one of the fastest growing and most educated states in Colorado. But just watching Denver’s transforming urban fabric is amazing. Fastracks is extending its light rail lines like tentacles from the Union Station Hub, 100-plus unit apartment complexes are popping up from parking lots like dandelions, and idle buildings are morphing into posh restaurants, bars, and breweries.
I heard someone joke that since everyone comes to Denver, he wanted to know where people from Denver go— as that place must be crazy awesome. From my Denver experience as a twenty-something, I’d have to agree. Saying you’re from Colorado seems to put you in the minority. I think I know more people from Des Moines and Chicago than I do Denver. Moreover, I can’t think of any transplants from my graduate program in Denver who went back home. Most of the Midwesterners and Coasters I know set up shop in Denver, bought houses and got jobs here.
I’ve always had a passing desire to experience living in a different city. And you constantly have to answer those questions when you’re living in the same state you grew up in: “Would you live somewhere else? Do you think you’ll stay in Denver?” As open as I would be to living in another cool place, there’s a lot going on right here in Denver. As the picture below illustrates, Downtown Denver circa 2016 will be almost unrecognizable—in a positive way. It’s going to be a city of the future, a test tube where urban liveability ideas come to fruition. As a genuine admirer and student of cities, I think it would be neat to watch this city cement itself as one of the best in America. And with the other commonly established Denver perks: 300 days of sunshine a year, beautifully distinct seasons, nearby world-class skiing, all major professional sports teams, great night life, and most importantly—the passing of Amendment 64 (just kidding), I’d have no problem permanently settling here.
